New York, New York! Midtown Manhattan in the Fall with Kids

• Museum of Mathematics (MoMath): This interactive museum makes math fun with hands-on exhibits, perfect for kids six and up who love puzzles and science. There is also a great little playground across the street.

• Central Park: A must-visit, Central Park offers endless opportunities for families, including playgrounds, the Central Park Zoo and scenic boat rides.

• Central Park playgrounds: First, Ancient Playground near The Met. Inspired by Egyptian art, this playground has fun climbing structures and water features, making it a great place for kids to burn off energy after a museum visit.

• Next, the Billy Johnson Playground at Central Park South: Famous for its granite slides and naturalistic design, this playground offers unique features like a large stone slide that kids love.

• New York Public Library — Stephen A. Schwarzman Building: The Children’s Center offers story time, books and family-friendly activities in a beautiful, historic building.

• Rockefeller Center: From visiting the LEGO Store to ice skating in the fall and winter months, there’s plenty of family-friendly activities at this iconic spot.

• Bryant Park: This park offers a seasonal carousel, pop-up food kiosks and ice skating in the winter, making it a fun destination for kids all year round.

• Intrepid Museum: The Intrepid Museum in New York offers an exciting hands-on experience where kids can explore historic aircraft, a real space shuttle and even a submarine. It's a great way to spark curiosity about science, history and space through interactive exhibits — pretend to fly a helicopter — and immersive displays.

• Gazillion Bubble Show: No trip to the Big Apple is complete without an on- or off-Broadway performance… which can feel impossible with little kids who can’t quite sit through a longer musical or show. The hourlong Gazillion Bubble Show is an excellent way to entertain the family; it’s highly interactive and probably best for two- to eight-year-olds.

• Empire State Building: Kids will be amazed by the views from the iconic observation deck, and the interactive exhibits inside make the visit both educational and fun.

Day trips:

Here are my favorite fall day trips from Manhattan that are perfect for families, departing from the iconic Grand Central Station — Midtown East — or Penn Station — Midtown West.

• Stamford, CT (via Grand Central Station): Just a 45-minute train ride away, Stamford offers family-friendly activities like the Stamford Museum & Nature Center, with nature trails, a working farm and seasonal events like pumpkin festivals and hayrides. It's a great fall destination for young explorers.

• Philadelphia, PA (via Penn Station): A two-hour train ride from Penn Station, Philadelphia offers kid-friendly attractions like the Franklin Institute, a hands-on science museum and the historic Liberty Bell. In the fall, families can also visit local pumpkin patches and enjoy the city’s parks and outdoor spaces.

• Sleepy Hollow, NY (via Grand Central Station): Known for its spooky legend, Sleepy Hollow is an exciting destination in the fall with its themed events like The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze and cemetery tours. Kids will love the Halloween festivities and the town’s beautiful riverside setting.

Breakfast:

• Ellen’s Stardust Diner: Famous for its singing waitstaff, this fun retro diner offers an all-American breakfast that kids will love, from pancakes to omelets, all while enjoying a Broadway-style performance.

• Sarabeth's Central Park South: A warm and cozy spot, Sarabeth's is perfect for a family-friendly breakfast, serving freshly baked pastries, fluffy pancakes and their famous eggs Benedict, all in a relaxed setting near Central Park.

• Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish: Known for its classic New York bagels, Zucker's offers plenty of kid-friendly options like bagels with cream cheese, smoked salmon or simple egg sandwiches for an authentic NYC breakfast.

Lunch & dinner:

• Joe’s Home of Soup Dumplings — Midtown: Conveniently located in Midtown East, Joe's Home of Soup Dumplings offers authentic Shanghainese cuisine with perfectly crafted soup dumplings. The restaurant’s casual yet lively atmosphere makes it a great spot for families to enjoy a unique and satisfying meal in the heart of Midtown.

• John’s Pizzeria of Times Square: This family-friendly pizza spot in a converted church is perfect for kids. Offering classic New York-style pizza with plenty of seating, it’s a fun lunch stop right in the heart of Midtown.

• Schnippers: Located near the New York Times building, Schnippers is a casual spot serving burgers, chicken tenders, mac 'n cheese and salads, offering something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

• The Smith — Midtown: A modern American brasserie, The Smith has a great kids’ menu featuring comfort foods like grilled cheese, pasta and burgers, while parents can enjoy a more sophisticated menu. The relaxed vibe makes it a great spot for family dinners.

• Chelsea Market: Chelsea Market offers a wide range of food stalls, from tacos to seafood, giving kids plenty of options to pick from while parents enjoy the bustling atmosphere.

These options provide a mix of casual dining and fun experiences that the whole family can enjoy in Midtown!